Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BIG Brother Mzansi (BBM) is set for a dramatic comeback, promising not only a fresh season of intrigue and strategy but a ground-breaking twist that places the power firmly in the hands of the audience.
Under the theme “Bazozwa”, Season Six, which kicks off on Sunday, is breaking new ground by giving seven former housemates a chance at redemption — with viewers exclusively deciding, which four will re-enter Biggie’s iconic house.
This bold move marks a significant evolution in Southern African reality television. Recently, MultiChoice’s Director of Local Entertainment Channels, Shirley Adonisi, pledged a “bigger and better” season, and the alumni redemption twist delivers exactly that, transforming passive viewership into active participation from the outset.
“The seven Big Brother alumni stepping back into the spotlight are Dube, Mmeli, Fahima, Sipha Lee, Bravo B, Lerato and Liema. Their return is not guaranteed, as their fate lies in the hands of the viewers,” said MultiChoice.
This approach empowers the audience, making them the ultimate arbiters of who deserves another shot at the R2 million grand prize and reality TV glory.
These seven alumni bring a spectrum of unfinished stories from past BBM seasons, united by one question: “What if?”
• Dube (Season Five: Umlilo): Famously denied entry by fellow housemates in a brutal premiere twist, the creative content creator never got his fair chance. Known for his distinctive style and digital artistry, Dube is determined to prove his worth on his own terms.
• Mmeli (Big Brother Titans): Paired early in the Titans edition, many fans felt the model and rising star was unfairly hampered by the twist, leading to his fifth-place eviction. He now seeks to showcase his charisma and ambition without restrictions.
• Fahima (Season 4: S’ya Mosha): As one of the short-term “Disrupters”, the singer and entrepreneur felt constrained, knowing her stay was limited. Lasting only 21 days, she’s hungry to return as a full-fledged contender and chase the win, backed by her growing music career.
• Sipha Lee (Season Five: Umlilo): A strong player evicted on Day 28, the actor and model felt typecast by his “Bandana Boys” association. After dedicating time to mental health, he’s ready to redefine his narrative and reveal his true character.
• Bravo B (Season Four: S’ya Mosha): His journey ended controversially in Week One due to disqualification, leading to significant personal fallout. Having publicly expressed deep regret and embarked on a path of accountability through event hosting and content creation, Bravo B’s story is one of profound personal transformation and redemption.
• Lerato Modise (Season Four: S’ya Mosha): A powerhouse player until Day 50, her fate was cruelly sealed by the spin of the “Wheel of Fate” in the eviction room. The philanthropist and entrepreneur, known for her work with the Remlee Foundation, wants to reclaim control of her destiny.
• Liema (Season Four: S’ya Mosha): The fan favourite sparked debate by accepting R250 000 to leave on Day 57, forfeiting a shot at the grand prize. Now an internationally touring artist, she views this as an opportunity to silence doubters and prove her strategic prowess could have gone all the way.
The power to bring four of these seven back, rests entirely with DStv subscribers. Voting on the MyDStv App opened on Sunday, January 4 and closes sharply on Thursday, January 8.
BBM’s alumni redemption twist represents a major shift in the regional reality TV landscape. By granting viewers unprecedented power — deciding not just evictions but entries — the show deepens audience engagement and investment before the season even begins. It acknowledges the passionate fanbase and leverages the franchise’s rich history, turning past narratives into fuel for the current season.
This move builds upon the legacy of the now-defunct Big Brother Africa, which launched the careers of numerous Southern African personalities, including Zimbabwean stars such as Pokello Nare, Munya Chidzonga, Maneta Mazanhi and Roki Josphat.
BBM Season Six takes that legacy a step further, innovating the format by weaving past and present together through direct audience democracy.
It transforms the show from a passive viewing experience into an interactive event, setting a new benchmark for audience involvement in the region.
On Sunday, the four former housemates with the highest votes will be revealed. These chosen alumni will immediately step into the house, joining the fresh batch of contestants, ready to rewrite their stories under Biggie’s watchful eye — and the gaze of an audience that voted them back in. — @MbuleloMpofu
